(1785-1819) American naval commander noted for his heroism during the
War of 1812 (a conflict between the United
States and Britain over the
rights of the US at
sea). As the commander of the naval
force of Lake Erie, he defeated the British and gained
control of the lake for the Americans. In his official
report of the British surrender he stated, "We have met the
enemy and they are ours."
(1785 - 1819)
American naval
officer. He was ordered to build a
fleet on Lake Erie in the
north central United
States in
order to
prevent British
advance during the
War of 1812. On 10 September 1813, the Battle of Lake Erie was fought in which
Perry heroically forced the full surrender of the British vessels.